IPL 2025: Top 11 shocking releases by franchises

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, four franchises have released their captains from last season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is still a few weeks away, and the preparations have begun for the franchise as all 10 teams have submitted the list of their retained players. Several teams have retained their core players, while a few other teams have retained only a few and will go for a revamp.

There are a few franchises that have even released their captains, which indicates that they will look for new leaders in the IPL 2025.

A spate of big-name T20 players have also been released and they will be up for grabs at the mega auction should they choose to enter it.

In this article, we will look at the 11 surprising releases made by the franchises.

Top 11 shocking releases by franchises ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction

1. Rishabh Pant – Delhi Capitals 

Delhi Capitals made a surprising move by releasing captain Rishabh Pant, who has been part of the team since his IPL debut in 2016. Pant was his side’s leading scorer last season despite returning from a long injury layoff.

It was reported that Pant and Delhi were not able to get on the same board for various unknown reasons. He will be among the hottest picks at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

2. KL Rahul – Lucknow Super Giants 

A lot was going on between captain KL Rahul and Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka, and now, as expected, they have parted ways ahead of IPL 2025.

Rahul has been released and will enter the auction, where he should get strong bids given his vast experience as well as strong leadership credentials.

Expect a few franchises to go hard at Rahul, who can also double up as a wicket-keeper.

3. Arshdeep Singh – Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings have retained only two uncapped players and will enter the IPL 2025 mega auction with a purse value of INR 110.5 crores. But they have released some big names, including Arshdeep Singh, which is a very shocking release.

The left-arm pacer was groomed by the franchise and has become one of India’s leading T20 bowlers, which is why his exclusion came as a surprise to everyone. But PBKS are likely to use their RTM card on Arshdeep.

4. Jake Fraser-McGurk – Delhi Capitals 

Another surprising release ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction made by the Delhi Capitals is that of young Aussie sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk. McGurk had a thunderous start to his IPL career last season: he was a force to be reckoned with as he registered three fifties in less than 20 balls each, including two 15-ball half-centuries.

McGurk has the tools and mindset to become one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket. Thus, his release is significantly shocking.

5. Shreyas Iyer – Kolkata Knight Riders 

This is the first time ever in IPL history that a captain who led a team to the title has been released before the next season as Kolkata Knight Riders have let go of Shreyas Iyer. Since KKR have retained six players, they don’t have any RTM to use on Iyer in the auction.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore said that Iyer was “No. 1 on our list” of retentions, but both parties couldn’t come to a mutual agreement.

6. Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders 

Mitchell Starc made history when he became the costliest player in IPL at the 2024 auction. After having a lean run in the league phase, Starc repaid the faith and delivered Man of the Match-worthy performances in Qualifier 1 and the final to help his team win the title.

However, Starc has been released. With Australia set to play five tests at home against India this summer and against England next summer, Starc could pull out of the auction this time. Plus, his huge price tag burned a hole in KKR’s purse.

7. Jos Buttler – Rajasthan Royals 

Jos Buttler is among the biggest overseas stars in the IPL. He has been superb for RR since joining them in 2018, but the franchise decided to let him go.

Buttler was released, and his exclusion was a big surprise as RR retained six players, including Shimron Hetmyer and Dhurv Jurel. Buttler, though, will remain a hot pick at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

8. Yuzvendra Chahal – Rajasthan Royals

Veteran leg spinner and IPL’s leading wicket-taker Yuzvendra Chahal has also been released by the Royals. He joined RR in 2022 and has been terrific for them in the last three seasons.

But, the franchise decided to retain more of a younger lot and released the senior leg-spinner. Being a seasoned campaigner, Chahal should get a hefty amount in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

9. Glenn Maxwell – Royal Challengers Bengaluru 

Australian star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell had a horrible IPL 2024 season, which saw him getting dropped from the playing XI for Will Jacks. His form coupled with some of his injuries might have pushed RCB to release Maxwell.

Maxwell was among the core RCB players for the last few seasons, but it looks like that franchise wants to move on. However, RCB still have the option to get back Maxwell by using the RTM card, and there are chances they can have him for a lower price at the auction.

10. Cameron Green – Royal Challengers Bengaluru 

Cameron Green was another big name who was released by RCB. The Australian all-rounder was traded in by the franchise before 2024 edition from Mumbai Indians and had a good season as an all-rounder.

But, with Green having a back surgery recently, he is unlikely to take part in the IPL 2025 season. Hence, his release was a bit expected.

11. Mohammed Siraj – Royal Challengers Bengaluru 

RCB backed Mohammed Siraj over the past many seasons, but he delivered for them only in patches. Considering his dip in form in 2024, and his T20 credentials being poor, Siraj has been released, while RCB have retained Yash Dayal.

However, RCB have the option to get him back through the RTM card.

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